By David Hollingsworth, Managing Partner at Avid Communications, talking about a serious Wi-Fi vulnerability that’s recently been discovered.

Last month, it was announced that a serious weakness exists in a protocol that secures all modern protected Wi-Fi networks. This protocal is known as WPA/WPA2 or Wi-Fi Protected Access. This weakness allows an attacker within range of a Wi-Fi network to exploit these weaknesses using key re-installation attacks (KRACKs).

Update Your Wi-Fi Devices ASAP

In a Wi-Fi connection, there’s a client (e.g., computer, smart phone, smart refrigerator) and a Wi-Fi router/access point. To prevent the attack, users must update affected Wi-Fi devices as soon as security updates become available. Unfortunately, for some devices, this may not be easy or even possible until a patch is released (e.g., Wi-Fi enabled garage door opener, Wi-Fi security cameras.)

Updating the router/access point alone will not remove the threat. The devices connecting to the Wi-Fi network must be updated as well. Manufacturers have been made aware of the problem and some have already provided software patches to eliminate the threat. Check with the vendors of your devices to make sure you have the necessary software in place to eliminate this threat.

Avid provides a cloud-based, managed Wi-Fi solution and have verified that all Wi-Fi access points have the necessary updates and are secure. Avid can also block specific client devices if the customer has not received the necessary updates to eliminate the threat.

At Avid Communications we take security very seriously. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the KRACK vulnerability or any network security issue.